Bayou Classic is 'alive and well' despite recent perceived decline

GRAMBLING, Louisiana — Eric Dooley knows legendary Grambling coach Eddie Robinson will be smiling down on the Superdome this weekend.

Grambling's offensive coordinator, who has experience on both sides of the Bayou Classic as an assistant for Grambling and Southern, can speak with certainty that the biggest game of the year in black college football is alive and well.

"This is what he envisioned for the Classic to be something of this nature. He wouldn't back down from the competition," Dooley said earlier this week. "It's great. Both teams are doing well and it helps out both schools. I think it's at a good spot right now."

Dooley's opinion hasn't changed, but outsiders questioned the annual rivalry played in New Orleans on Thanksgiving weekend.

This year's matchup Saturday afternoon has all the fixings and then some with Grambling and Southern entering with 8-0 records in the Southwestern Athletic Conference. The winner secures the division title and a spot in next weekend's championship game against Alcorn State.

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